Indian Philosophy: The Beginnings - Paperback

by Sain Dass Aeri (Author)

For many, the expressions Indian philosophy and Indian religion are identical. And then, there is a contention which comes from the modern ideas of pragmatism; the premise of this contention is that the study of orthodox Indian philosophy is irrelevant in this modern age of rationalism. The truth is otherwise; it is doubtful if one can find an equivalent of the ever-fresh utterances of the Vedas, the thought-provoking concepts of the Upanishads, the metaphysical doctrines of the 'darshanas', the deep psychological analysis of the Buddhism, and the ethical pragmatism of the Jainism, in any other scriptures of the world. The fact is that the study of Indian philosophy demands a spiritual awakening and a certain kind of patience which is rather anachronistic in the fast, materialistic, overtly impatient, modern way of thinking. The study of old Indian philosophical thought carries rewards that are intrinsic, rather than utilitarian; besides being therapeutic for the reader.